Transition Process Research Articles

What is transformative in participatory approaches to territorial agroecological transitions? A systematization of five case studies in Spain

ABSTRACT Participatory processes of agroecological transitions at territorial scales are becoming a widespread practice. However, systematic research based on empirical processes remains scarce. In this paper, we systematize the experiences of five cases of co-design for agroecological transitions in Spain, in different territorial contexts and scales, applying the framework of Local Agroecological Dynamization. The systematization has involved professional facilitators of each project and is based on the primary and secondary data they provided. The systematization describes a sequence of milestones to walk through to implement transformative, participatory processes of transitions and suggests some principles for the design of such processes. The paper highlights two elements that define the transformative character of the cases: the activation of social creativity based on the material and relational features of the territory, and the strengthening of local socio-economic actors in the framework of a plural social subject to promote the transition. More empirical, action-oriented research is needed, in different territorial contexts and long-term processes, to deepen the understanding of such issues.

NAT10 drives endometriosis progression through acetylation and stabilization of TGFB1 mRNA.

Endometriosis, a gynecological disorder marked by pelvic pain and infertility, has its pathogenesis and pathophysiology significantly influenced by epigenetics, as these factors have been well characterized. However, the role of RNA-mediated epigenetic regulation in endometriosis remains to be elucidated. In our study, we found that N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) RNA modification and N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) were significantly upregulated in endometrial lesions compared to eutopic endometrium. Knockdown of NAT10 suppressed endometrial epithelial cell proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and cell cycle processes in vitro. RNA-seq and acRIP-seq analyses revealed that the knockdown of NAT10 impaired cell proliferation and the TGF-beta signaling pathway. We further identified that ac4C RNA modification enhanced TGFB1 mRNA stability and expression levels, and inhibition of NAT10 activity by Remodelin effectively suppressed the growth of ectopic lesions in an endometriosis mouse model. Collectively, our findings reveal that increased NAT10-mediated ac4C modification enhances TGFB1 mRNA stability, thereby promoting the development of endometriosis. This discovery lays the molecular foundation for future therapeutic approaches targeting endometriosis.

Butyrolactone I blocks the transition of acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease in mice by targeting JAK1.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a disease that affects more than 850 million people. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common cause of CKD, and blocking the AKI-CKD transition shows promising therapeutic potential. Herein, we found that butyrolactone I (BLI), a natural product, exerts significant nephroprotective effects, including maintenance of kidney function, inhibition of inflammatory response, and prevention of fibrosis, in both folic acid- and ureteral obstruction-induced AKI-CKD transition mouse models. Notably, BLI showed greater blood urea nitrogen reduction and anti-inflammatory effects than telmisartan. Bioinformatics analysis and target confirmation assays suggested that BLI directly binds to JAK1, and kinase inhibition assay confirmed it is a potent JAK1inhibitor with an IC50 of 0.376µM. Experiments in JAK1-knockdown mice also proved that BLI targets JAK1 to work. Furthermore, BLI demonstrated nephroprotective effects and safety comparable to ivarmacitinib, the well-known JAK1 inhibitor. Mechanistically, BLI targets JAK1 and inhibits its phosphorylation and JAK-STAT activation, subsequently regulating the downstream signaling pathways to inhibit reactive oxygen species production, inflammation, and ferroptosis, thereby preventing the occurrence of kidney fibrosis and blocking the AKI-CKD transition process. This study demonstrates for the first time that BLI is a JAK1 inhibitor and a promising candidate for delaying CKD progression, which warrants further investigation.

Die level thermal management of microelectronics using phase change materials

Phase change materials (PCMs) are a promising passive thermal management approach for electronic devices, offering the potential to extend device operational times and mitigate thermal instability by leveraging phase transition processes. However, the effectiveness of PCM-laden designs is hindered by numerous interfacial thermal resistances between the heat source and sink, particularly for high power levels and heat fluxes. Furthermore, space constraints for mobile devices make such a macroscale strategy impractical. In this work, we evaluate an alternate microscale integration strategy where we embed the PCM within the silicon die to both minimize the thermal resistance between the heat source and the PCM, and make them a viable solution for mobile devices. We fabricate thermal test vehicles (TTVs) of realistic mobile-chip form-factors with embedded metallic PCM, and experimentally evaluate them against an all-silicon counterpart. Notably, this work presents the first successful fabrication and transient thermal evaluation of a silicon device with fully-encapsulated PCM thermal energy storage. Experimental results demonstrate that embedding the PCM within the silicon die improves thermal performance, suppressing the maximum hotspot temperature rise by up to 14% and significantly reducing transient fluctuations by up to 65%. This integration strategy proves effective even under high heat flux conditions. Specifically, with an embedded square-shaped PCM reservoir, thermal stability increases by an average of 40% for a hotspot heat flux of 65 W cm-2. Additionally, an embedded-PCM TTV demonstrates stable performance for 10,000 continuous temperature cycles (total run-time of 34 h). The choices of a duty cycle time period and power level are crucial to embedded PCM effectiveness. An optimum combination of both ensures that all the embedded PCM is effectively utilized through consistent phase changes with minimal sensible heating. The substantial reduction in temperature fluctuations across multiple operational scenarios highlights the success of a PCM-based die-level thermal management approach.

SMYD3 plays a pivotal role in mediating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process in breast cancer.

In previous reports, we highlighted the significant involvement of SMYD3, a histone methyltransferase (HMT), in various aspects of cancer progression, including cell adhesion, migration, and invasion. In this study, we delved deeper into understanding the relationship between SMYD3 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) both in cell lines and clinical samples. Our investigation uncovered a notable correlation between heightened SMYD3 expression and the presence of EMT markers in human breast cancer tissues. We found that the induction of SMYD3 expression is facilitated by transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), which achieves this by suppressing miR-124, an inhibitor that targets SMYD3, through alterations in DNA methylation. Conversely, our experiments demonstrated that reducing SMYD3 levels through RNA interference impeded TGF-β1-induced EMT in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, our results revealed that SMYD3 alone has the capability to modulate the expression of markers associated with EMT. An intriguing aspect of our study is the revelation that SMYD3 influences the activation of vimentin by binding to its response elements within the core promoter region. Notably, this effect is independent of SMYD3's histone methyltransferase activity. These findings collectively underscore the pivotal role of SMYD3 in driving EMT, both in cell lines and primary cancer tissues, particularly emphasizing its significance in TGF-β1-induced EMT in breast cancer.

OsbZIP23 delays flowering by repressing OsMADS14 expression in rice

Flowering time is a fundamental factor determining the global distribution and final yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.). The initiation of the floral transition process signifies the beginning of the reproductive phase. The florigens Heading Date 3a (Hd3a) and Rice Flowering Locus T 1 (RFT1) combine with GF14 proteins and OsFD-like basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors to form florigen activation/repressor complexes (FACs/FRCs) that regulate the transition to flowering. We herein report that a bZIP transcription factor (OsbZIP23) functions as a flowering repressor. Transgenic plants overexpressing OsbZIP23 exhibited delayed flowering, which was in contrast to the slightly early flowering of the osbzip23 mutants, under natural short-day and long-day conditions. Molecular and biochemical analyses indicated that OsbZIP23 can bind to the 5′ untranslated region of OsMADS14 and suppress expression. Moreover, it delays the floral transition probably by interacting with OsFTL1/Hd3a/RFT1 and 14-3-3 proteins to form FRCs. Our findings have further elucidated the molecular mechanisms regulating the flowering time in rice.

Exploring the Role of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition During Colorectal Cancer Peritoneal Metastasis: Update on Their Mechanisms.

Colorectal cancer is a common malignant tumor worldwide. The prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer peritoneal metastasis is very poor. The study of the specific mechanisms of colorectal cancer peritoneal metastasis plays an important role in the treatment of patients with this disease. The mechanisms of colorectal cancer peritoneal metastasis are mainly pathological and biological. Biologically, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process is an important precursor to tumor cell metastasis. Therefore, it is necessary to study the mechanisms of colorectal cancer peritoneal metastasis, especially the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, to identify new methods for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer peritoneal cancer, reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer peritoneal metastasis, and improve patient prognosis.

Patient Source of Referral Is a Key Determinant of Subsequent Retention in Care for Young Chronic Hepatitis B Patients.

Hepatitis B elimination objectives can only be realised if new patient linkage to care is matched by long-term patient retention in care. We previously showed in adult chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients that retention in care was inferior in younger patients and in patients from non-Asian ethnicities. The present study explores further the rates and determinants of loss to follow-up in a cohort of 271 young patients (aged 16-21 years at baseline). 16% of patients were lost to follow-up after a single consultation, and retention in care at 5 and 10 years was 53.7% and 45.9%, respectively. Retention in care was strongly associated with the source of patient referral and was superior for patients referred from the antenatal clinic and those transitioned from paediatric care (68% retention at 5 years for both sources) compared with those from "other" sources (36% at 5 years). In multivariate analyses, patient source of referral and distance of current residence from the Hepatitis Outpatient Clinic were the significant determinants of loss to follow-up. Retention in care may have been promoted by the transition process for those diagnosed in childhood and by the repeated referral from the antenatal clinic of women who had multiple pregnancies during the observation period. Only 20% of asylum seekers and referrals from genitourinary clinics were retained in follow-up at 10 years from baseline. This identifies a group of patients who do not access medical care, cannot benefit from treatment, and who may constitute a long-term public health risk.

Fast because it’s just: fostering acceptance to accelerate sustainability transitions in coal-dependent regions

Abstract Coal-dependent communities and regions are at the frontline of the global energy transition, with net-zero scenarios requiring unprecedented sharp decreases in coal use and production in the next few decades. Rapid decarbonization in these ‘coal-dependent’ regions can result in high disruptiveness and trigger socio-political resistance across both the acceleration of coal phase-outs (decline) and clean energy phase-ins (diffusion). Lack of social acceptance (SA) stands as a critical bottleneck risking slowing down the pace of the transition. Governance strategies seeking the acceleration of coal transitions will therefore need to strike a delicate balance between disruptiveness and acceptance. We argue that fostering acceptance, for instance through just transition (JT) policies, does not simply serve as a means to pursue ‘just’ transition processes, but rather as a fundamental acceleration strategy for decline and diffusion dynamics that unfold simultaneously. To substantiate this argument, we conduct a narrative review cutting across the literature on JTs and SA of renewables’ innovations, and reinterpret them using a socio-technical (sustainability) transition perspective to outline three core propositions: (i) justice perceptions underlie acceptance; (ii) acceptance precedes reorientation; (iii) reorientation as a transition acceleration strategy. We then outline an integrative research agenda to renew the scientific focus towards the interconnections between justice-acceptance-acceleration in the ongoing transitions in coal-dependent regions and elsewhere.

MAPSO-based mode transition process optimisation of ship parallel hybrid power system

Hybrid power ships are the focus of attention in the shipping industry due to their low carbon and high efficiency benefits. However, fluctuations in stern shaft speed and equipment wear generated by its power system during mode transition has been an inadequately addressed problem. To this end, this paper first takes a 7500-ton bulk carrier as the research object and builds a hybrid power system model in the AMESim simulation platform for simulation and verification work. Then, the stern shaft speed overshoot rate, stern shaft rotational speed jerk, and clutch slip friction work are used as indicators, which are normalised and weighted as a multi-objective evaluation function for mode transition. With the objective of minimising the value of this function, the modified adaptive particle swarm algorithm (MAPSO) is used to solve the control problem of shaft motor torque and clutch oil pressure during mode transition and the optimisation results are obtained. The results show that the simulation accuracy of the established model can reach 1.1%., and the MAPSO-based mode transition coordinated control strategy reduces the stern shaft speed overshoot rate, stern shaft rotational speed jerk, and clutch slip friction work by 86.32%, 52.01% and 24.91% during EP mode to PTI mode respectively and 86.73%, 58.80% and 35.05% during EP mode to PTO mode respectively, compared with prototype control strategy.

Dynamic Behaviors of Droplet Impacts in Dropwise Condensation on Horizontal Tube Bundles.

Dropwise condensation offers substantial heat transfer advantages over filmwise condensation, enhancing the industrial condenser efficiency and reducing energy losses. However, the dynamics of condensate droplets on horizontal tube bundles remains complex and insufficiently studied. This paper presents a detailed investigation of the impact of dynamic behaviors of condensate droplets by numerical simulation using the Volume of Fluid model. The droplet Weber number (Wed) between horizontal tube bundles determines the characteristics of droplet impact behaviors. This study examines the effects of tube pitch and contact angle on Wed and its distribution of detached droplets, revealing the transition process of the Wed-dominant factors. Based on visualization results, three dynamic behaviors of condensate droplets impacting the lower tube are identified: attachment, rebound, and breakup. The dominant behaviors of multiple droplets impacting the lower tube under various conditions are clarified through the Wed distribution, leading to the establishment of a droplet impact regime map. Breakup behavior results in a larger proportion of the renewal area, with a maximum exceeding 88.80%, enhancing the surface flushing effect. However, it is essential to mitigate liquid film spreading to prevent the onset of near-FWC. Rebound behavior, characterized by minimal contact times down to 15.40 ms, make it more suitable for tubes that can perform quick self-renew. Finally, based on the characteristics of droplet impact behaviors, guidelines for regulating droplet behavior under different conditions are proposed. The findings provide critical insights for the design of novel dropwise condensers.

Temporal legacies of coal mining in the West Coast, New Zealand: path-dependency or path-creation?

Abstract Global energy transition and decarbonisation efforts in the face of climate change present a new challenge for coal-based resource communities. While many resource-based communities, and coal mining communities have become accustomed to the boom-bust cycles of resource extraction, the transition to alternative energy sources presents unique challenges to coal mining communities. In this paper, we document the long process of transition in the coal mining town of Blackball in New Zealand. Blackball has a long history of mining, yet it is also a community where the local mines on which the town depended have been closed for 50 years. The legacy and heritage of coal mining has since shaped efforts at diversification and revitalization, highlighting the tensions between path-dependency and new path creation in the shaping of the future of Blackball. We draw on concepts from evolutionary economic geography to highlight how iterative processes of path creation and path dependency have played out and identify the important role of community agency and external support in mediating those processes. The temporal component of Blackball’s coal transition presents useful lessons for other mining communities which currently face closure.

Dynamics studies of H atom collision with KH molecule

Using the non-adiabatic potential energy surfaces (PESs) reported by Li et al. (Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 22 (2020) 16203), an in-depth examination of the abstraction and exchange reaction processes involving H colliding with KH was performed via the time-dependent wave packet method. The dynamics information is reported at state-to-state level of theory. Our findings suggest that the K(4p2P) + H2 product channel emerges through a non-adiabatic transition process. Given its similarity to the K(4s2S) + H2 product channel, this channel cannot be disregarded, particularly when J values are minimal. Additionally, our analysis revealed that among the three product channels of the H + KH reaction, the K(4s2S) + H2 channel consistently holds a dominant position. Scattering information from differential cross sections indicate that the forward abstraction reaction mechanism is predominant for the abstraction reaction, while the insertion reaction mechanism prevails for the exchange reaction.

Walking alone, together participatory design as orchestrating between remoteness and situatedness in decision-making

ABSTRACT This paper reports on ongoing research into how Participatory Design (PD) processes can shift collaborations between public institutions (i.e. a city administration) and collectives, which we call institutioning, in the framework of socio-environmental transitions. It describes a case study during the COVID-19 pandemic where we made use of Remote Data Collection Methods (RCDMs), supported by events, in this case walks, to enable governments and collectives to engage in collaborative decision-making in a spatial transition process. We learned about the important role of events in connecting between situated versus remote decision-making, based on an explicit reflection on how situatedness and remoteness shift, depending on the position the participants are in (situated around the governmental meeting table, in the studied space or remote from one of these spaces) and how this redistributes power dynamics in a situated time and space.

Homelessness and Housing Instability Among Care Leavers in Australia: Exploring Housing Pathways and Best Practice Housing Models

ABSTRACTA significant proportion of young people exiting Out‐of‐Home Care (OOHC) encounter substantial challenges in securing housing, often leading to homelessness within a few months after leaving care. All Australian jurisdictions have now approved extended care programs up to 21 years; however, none of them currently offer these young people guaranteed accommodation options. This study aims to explore the factors underlying poor housing outcomes among care leavers and to develop a best practice model that complements the extended care framework in Australia, thereby addressing or ameliorating homelessness issues among these young adults. A scoping review of 18 scholarly articles and seven grey literature reports supplemented by ancestral search forms the basis of a thematic analysis. This analysis reveals factors contributing to negative and positive housing outcomes for young people related to OOHC transitional processes in Australia and Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) nations. It includes evaluations of the implementation of extended care and of housing programs in these countries. By analysing current extended care policies in each jurisdiction, as well as literature featuring good post‐care housing practices both locally and internationally, five key principles have been identified for a best practice model.

UHRF1 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition mediating renal fibrosis by activating the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway

Renal fibrosis is widely recognized as the ultimate outcome of many chronic kidney diseases. The process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a critical role in the progression of fibrosis following renal injury. UHRF1, as a critical epigenetic regulator, may play an essential role in the pathogenesis and progression of renal fibrosis and EMT. However, the potential mechanisms remain to be elucidated. We aim to investigate the role of UHRF1 in EMT and renal fibrosis and to evaluate the potential benefits of Hinokitiol in preventing renal fibrosis. Based on data from the GEO and Nephroseq databases, UHRF1 exhibited high expression levels in the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model and in patients with nephropathy. Gene set enrichment analysis predicted that UHRF1 may function through the TGF-β signaling pathway in fibrosis. By establishing a TGF-β1-stimulated HK2 cell model and animal models of renal fibrosis induced by UUO and folic acid, we confirmed that UHRF1 was highly expressed in both in vitro and in vivo models of renal fibrosis. After knockdown of UHRF1 in vitro, we found that the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway was inhibited, renal tubular epithelial cell EMT was reduced and renal fibrosis was attenuated. Hinokitiol has been reported to reduce the expression of UHRF1 mRNA and protein. We observed that inhibition of UHRF1 with Hinokitiol ameliorated induced EMT and renal fibrosis by reducing SMAD2/3 phosphorylation in vivo and in vitro. Taken together, our data demonstrated that the upregulation of UHRF1 accelerated the EMT of renal tubular cells and renal fibrosis through the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway. Hinokitiol may ameliorate renal fibrosis by suppressing the expression of UHRF1 in the kidney.

Nanoscale insights on phase transition dynamics of doped VO2 for memristor devices

This study utilized co-sputtering to fabricate Mo-doped VO2 films and identified an optimal concentration exhibiting a lower phase transition temperature (Th = 55.8 °C) and a broader hysteresis window (Δ T = 13.6 °C). At the atomistic scale, it is demonstrated that Mo dopant-induced localized strain accelerates the phase transition, which leads to the relaxation of the tetragonal structure. Furthermore, the effects of Mo doping on the phase transition process and electrical properties are characterized at the nanoscale using conductive atomic force microscopy and Kelvin probe force microscopy, and the potential application in selectors can be evaluated. The results indicated that Mo doping destabilizes the M1 phase by introducing a high density of electrons, thereby significantly reducing the electron–electron interactions as per the Mott model. Moreover, the device exhibited stable threshold and memristive properties at room temperature, quickly switching from high to low-resistance states at a threshold voltage of 2.37 V and maintaining stability over more than 1000 cycles with a selectivity >102. The present work not only highlights the role of Mo doping in enhancing the functional properties of VO2 but also demonstrates its feasibility in high-performance selectors devices.

Navigating Socio-Technical Challenges in Energy Efficiency: Case Studies on Hybrid Pumped-Hydropower Storage in Poland and Greece

This study examines the socio-technical challenges and public acceptance of hybrid pumped-hydropower storage (HPHS) technology within the broader context of energy transition in two European coal-mining regions: Western Macedonia, Greece, and the Łódzkie Region, Poland. These regions, deeply rooted in lignite mining, face profound socio-economic transformations driven by the EU Green Deal and its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The transition from coal dependency to renewable energy represents not only a critical environmental goal but also a significant socio-economic challenge for local communities, necessitating innovative and inclusive strategies to mitigate impacts and ensure equitable outcomes. The research integrates desk studies with stakeholder surveys (n = 129) to assess public awareness, perceived impacts, and acceptance of HPHS technology as a repurposing solution for decommissioned open-pit lignite mines. Results reveal that while awareness of the energy transition process is high (90% in Western Macedonia and 80% in Łódzkie Region), familiarity with HPHS technology varies significantly (76% and 48%, respectively). Support for implementing HPHS in former mining sites is stronger in Western Macedonia (73%) compared to Łódzkie Region (63%), with knowledge of HPHS correlating positively with acceptance (r = 0.83, p < 0.01). Both regions recognize the environmental benefits of HPHS, including improved air quality and biodiversity; yet, socio-economic challenges such as job losses, reduced income levels, and limited opportunities for reskilling persist, particularly in Łódzkie Region, where 77% of respondents view the energy transition as negatively impacting the labor market. By focusing on regions historically dependent on mining, this study highlights the critical role of addressing the unique needs of communities undergoing systemic transformation. The repurposing of former lignite mines into HPHS facilities offers a promising pathway for balancing environmental objectives with local socio-economic revitalization. However, success requires region-specific strategies, including transparent communication, stakeholder involvement, and targeted investment in workforce adaptation and infrastructure. These findings contribute to the growing discourse on how socially inclusive and technically feasible solutions can drive equitable energy transitions in post-mining regions.

A Single Amino Acid Model for Hydrophobically Driven Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation.

This study proposes fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc)-protected single amino acids (Fmoc-AAs) as a minimalistic model system to investigate liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and the elusive liquid-to-solid transition of condensates. We demonstrated that Fmoc-AAs exhibit LLPS depending on the pH and ionic strength, primarily driven by hydrophobic interactions. Systematic examination of the conditions under which each Fmoc-AA undergoes LLPS revealed distinct residue-dependent trends in the critical concentrations and phase behavior. Importantly, we elucidated the liquid-to-solid transition process, suggesting that it may be driven by a molecular mechanism different from that of LLPS. Fmoc-AA condensates showed promise for biomolecular enrichment and catalytic applications. This work provides significant insights into the molecular mechanisms of LLPS and the subsequent liquid-to-solid transition, offering a robust platform for future studies related to protocells and protein aggregation diseases.

Enhancer-driven Shh signaling promotes glia-to-mesenchyme transition during bone repair

Plp1-lineage Schwann cells (SCs) of peripheral nerve play a critical role in vascular remodeling and osteogenic differentiation during the early stage of bone healing, and the abnormal plasticity of SCs would jeopardize the bone regeneration. However, how Plp1-lineage cells respond to injury and initiate the vascularized osteogenesis remains incompletely understood. Here, by employing single-cell transcriptional profiling combined with lineage-specific tracing models, we uncover that Plp1-lineage cells undergoing injury-induced glia-to-MSCs transition contributed to osteogenesis and revascularization in the initial stage of bone injury. Importantly, our data demonstrated that the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling was responsible for the transition process initiation, which was strongly activated by c-Jun/SIRT6/BAF170 complex-driven Shh enhancers. Collectively, these findings depict an injury-specific niche signal-mediated Plp1-lineage cells transition towards Gli1+ MSCs and may be instructive for approaches to promote bone regeneration during aging or other bone diseases.